Despite the high number of people who apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits each year in Michigan, a majority of claims are denied at the initial level of the disability claim process. And while every applicant’s situation is unique, the reasons for denial tend to be relatively uniform. In order to improve the chances of approval, applicants should review the following common reasons that SSD claims are denied and consult with an experienced Michigan disability law attorney prior to applying for SSD benefits.
Lack of medical evidence
SSD claims are often denied due to a lack medical evidence. In order to qualify for SSD benefits, an applicant must prove that he or she is unable to work due to a disabling condition(s). In order to successfully prove this, the applicant must submit medical records that demonstrate his or her inability to work due to a disability, or a combination of impairments that preclude an ability to work.
Prior denials
People often think that filing a new SSD claim following a denial is a better option than filing an appeal. However, as a general rule, this is not the case. In fact, in some situations, an applicant’s new claim will be denied when it is discovered that he or she was previously denied and there is no significant change from before. Further, back-pay benefits and additional insurance coverage could be lost if the claimant files a new application rather than an appeal. Therefore, applicants should speak to a knowledgeable Social Security Disability attorney in Michigan to determine their best options.
Failure to follow treatment plan
When an applicant fails to follow the treatment plan prescribed by his or her doctor, or is considered to be non-compliant, chances are that the SSD claim will be denied on that basis. The primary reason for the denial in this type of situation is that the examiner will not be able to determine the applicant’s inability to work due to a disability if he or she is unwilling to comply with a prescribed treatment plan. When an applicant for disability shows that they are being compliant with prescribed medications and treatment, then Social Security can see that they are making reasonable efforts to get better, increasing their chances of approval.
Failure to cooperate with the Social Security office
Finally, the failure to cooperate with the Social Security office can result in a denied SSD claim. For example, if an applicant fails to provide the Social Security office with requested documentation or doesn’t show up to scheduled medical exams, his or her claim could be denied. Having an experienced attorney on your side will ensure that no deadlines are missed and that your claim is as complete as possible, setting you up for the best chance of success.
Failure to hire a Michigan disability law attorney
The denial of SSD benefits can be devastating. Therefore, if you would like to receive disability benefits but don’t know how to apply, or if you have been denied the benefits you are entitled to, the skilled disability law attorneys at Disability Law Group are here to help. At Disability Law Group, our experienced disability law attorneys will assist you with every step of the SSD benefits application process. So, if you live in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or elsewhere in Michigan and would like to apply for disability benefits or fight a denial, Disability Law Group is on your side. Remember, disability is all we do – day in and day out. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.
